A MUCH-LOVED Millport grandmother has passed away at the age of 86 after a brave cancer battle.

Moira Gibson and her husband Jim lived in West Bay Road and were well known on the island through golf and bridge circles, as well as Moira's role as a choir member at Cumbrae Parish Church.

Son Jim praised Lady Margaret Hospital for their 'exemplary level of care' in her final days.

Jim, 61, said: "The staff there and the district nurses were amazing. My mum first had breast cancer ten years ago and beat it, but the illness returned and eventually overwhelmed her. "The level of care on the island was second to none.

"Everyone showed an outstanding level of compassion. Some people on the island might not realise how lucky they are to get that standard of care, my mum couldn't have received that level of care on the mainland as it is a ten bed cottage hospital."

Moira worked as independent financial advisor - a job she cherished - as well as a travel advisor and sales manager.

Moira retired at 65 and married Jim four years later.

Son Jim said: "My mum absolutely adored the island. She loved the view from West Bay Road and it brought her a lot of peace and a feeling of belonging."

Moira leaves behind two children, Jim and Maggie, five grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

Moira only learnt bridge in her early 70s and ended up teaching a lot of islanders the skilful card game while husband Jim was an active member of Millport Golf Club until he was 90.

He was an engineer to trade and started his career in the merchant navy before moving to ICI in Ardeer before retiring aged 65.

Jim and Moira's respective families would regularly come to Cumbrae to visit.

Son Jim said: "There is a tangible tranquility to the island.

"Something that was very special was how the community rallied round during lockdown and looked out for my mother.

"She was stuck at home and neighbours and people from the community regularly popped in to check she was alright. It is something we are very grateful for."

Moira was also a trustee of the Western Infirmary in Glasgow. Always a practical lady, she designed and supplied a pouch for carrying fluid following a certain form of dialysis and was also president of the hospital's Samaritan Society.

Around five years ago, Moira organised a fundraising show, 'The Spice of Life' for the new Cumbrae Parish Church where she was a proud singer in the choir.

Moira will be laid to rest today on the island at a 11am service attended by a small family group.

The family have asked that no flowers are sent but anyone who would like to pay their respects can do so by making a donation to the Lady Margaret Hospital.